Sep 25, 2018

You’ve finally found a wig that gives you a look you love. Now, you need
to know how to care for it so that you can continue to look your very best and
extend the life of your wig. Our hair can play a major role in how we feel on a
daily basis, so ensuring that your wig looks its very best means that you will
also feel your very best as well.

Here are a few tips to extend the life of your wig and keep it looking
fresh, which will help you continue to look stunning for as long as possible.

#1. Use the Right Products

Wigs must be
treated differently than real hair, from how you touch
and hold a wig to the products you use when cleaning or styling it. When you
clean your wig, you may be tempted to wash it using normal, everyday shampoo
and conditioner.

However, the chemicals and parabens in shampoo meant for the hair on our
head may be too harsh for your wig. It can strip away some of the wig’s
shininess in addition to drying out the hair, leaving you with a tangled mess.

Another product to avoid that you may be tempted to use on your wig is
hairspray. This all-too-common product can contain alcohol. This is very drying
and it can leave your wig feeling brittle. Using a styling spray made
specifically for wigs will prevent this from happening and keep your wig
looking as good as new for a much longer period of time.

Instead of using regular shampoos or styling sprays, use products that
are sulfate-free and alcohol-free, and have been created especially for wigs.

2. Never
Sleep or Shower in Your Wig, and Always Store It Correctly

It may seem like common sense, but sleeping in or showering with your
wig can lead to impossible knots and tangles. Even a heavy rain or a trip to
the pool is cause to remove your wig and safely store it to prevent unwanted
tangling or damage.

How should a wig be stored? It’s important to store wigs so that they
avoid tangling or bunching and so that they do not collect dust. Hanging a wig
on a wig form (which looks like a mannequin head) not only protects the shape
of the wig but also keeps it from tangling.

Many wigs also come with a net; while it will temporarily give your wig
a lunch lady look, it should be placed over the wig when it’s being stored to
keep dust from collecting and to prevent unnecessary movement which may lead to
knots and tangles.

For natural hair extensions, you should store extensions in a soft, silk
satin-lined pouch to protect them from tangling when you store them.

3. Hydrate Your Hair

While you will want to wash your wig as infrequently as possible in
order to keep your wig in pristine condition, you will need to use a leave-in
conditioner spray safe for wigs. Wigs, even when they’re made from hand-crafted
from ethically-sourced human hair, require constant hydration. Unlike hair
growing on our head which receives hydration from the oil from your scalp, wig
hair and hair add-ons don’t get that same natural hydration.

A leave-in conditioner spray keeps your hair from becoming brittle and
overly dry, protecting your wig from damage, and extending the life of your
gorgeous locks.

4.
Clean Your Wig Like a Professional

When you need to clean your wig, it’s best to follow the advice of the
professionals to keep your hair looking beautiful. Prior to cleaning your wig,
remove excess glue or tape, gently de-tangle with a wide-toothed comb, and then
turn your wig inside out. If you’ve got a wig with waves or curls, skip the de-tangling
comb and style the curls with your fingers after washing instead.

Soak your wig in cold water and a capful of wig shampoo for 5 minutes;
gently swirl the wig in the shampoo solution without wringing or rubbing it.
Rinse the wig thoroughly with cold water and turn it right-side-out again,
squeezing the hair to remove excess moisture. While your wig is still wet,
avoid brushing, combing, wringing, or rubbing, place it on a wig form, spritz
it with leave-in conditioner, and let dry.

How often should you wash your wig? Generally, after every 6-10 washes,
or once per week if you wear your wig daily.

5.
...Then Style Your Wig Like a Professional

After you’ve washed your wig, it’s time to style it.
With a wig that is 100% human hair, you can use a hair dryer and even heat
styling tools like a curling iron or straightener. However, you should be
gentle and avoid using heat too close to the roots. You can either style your wig
on the wig form or you can choose to style it while wearing it for extra ease
and to ensure that you get the exact look that works for you.

For curly styles, avoid a comb and form the curls around your fingers
while the wig is still wet. Styling a curly wig is much easier when the wig is
still wet.

Remember: Your wig doesn’t get the natural oils from your scalp as real
hair does, so don’t skip the leave-in conditioner, and be cautious with the
curling iron.

The main thing to consider when it comes to wig care is to be gentle and
take your time. Remember: Your wig is an investment, and with careful
attention, you can keep your wig looking luscious, voluminous and glamorous for
years and years to come.

Bio: Bio: Author
Mariam Kathet is a blogger and infopreneur who writes on various topics,
including proper care for wigs. At present, she works on behalf of Perfect Locks.